Landscape Architecture

Ulupo Heiau

On the windward side of Oahu, Ulupo Heiau overlooks Kawainui Marsh with a stone platform 180 feet by 140 feet with walls as tall as 30 feet and 28 Acres of loi kalo, fertile ground and naturalized hau tree. This cultural site has been a territorial park since 1954 and is currently under stewardship of State Parks and ‘Ahahui Mālama I Ka Lōkahi (Hawaiians for the Conservation of Native Ecosystems).

In cooperation with Roxanne Adams, horticulturist and native Hawaiian, provided site analysis and landscape masterplan for inclusion in a Cultural Resources Management Plan being prepared for the site to pursue fundraising for site improvements. The landscape architect and horticulturist also facilitated the visioning meeting to gather input from stakeholders and the public on the improvements needed at the site. The landscape masterplan includes a teaching and performance space Halau, area to grow food such as kalo, banana and even an ulu garden, trails and gathering spaces. A prioritized improvements list including approximate costs was also developed so that as funds were procured, work could begin on the next most important item. Ulupō Heiau is listed on the National and Hawaii Registers of Historic Places. (Completed while with Belt Collins Hawaii LLC)